Best Beaches in Costa Smeralda to Explore by Boat
The best beaches in Costa Smeralda are best explored by boat, where hidden coves and crystal-clear waters create a unique experience.
Many of these places, between Porto Rotondo and the Costa Smeralda, reveal a completely different perspective when explored from the sea. It’s not just about visiting beaches — it’s about experiencing a boat tour through crystal-clear waters, wind-shaped granite rocks, and hidden coves accessible only by boat.
During our boat excursions from the Cugnana and Porto Rotondo area, the coastline unveils its most authentic side: the colors of the sea constantly change, while secluded inlets appear one after another, offering a slower, deeper, and more immersive way to experience Sardinia.
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Costa Smeralda Beaches by Boat
Capriccioli
Its name comes from the “capricious” shapes of the surrounding granite rocks, sculpted by the wind over time. These formations create small natural pools where the water often remains calm, even when sea conditions change.
This area has become iconic because it perfectly represents the essence of the Costa Smeralda: untouched nature, crystal-clear water, and instantly recognizable landscapes. It has also been used as a natural setting for international film productions, including scenes connected to the James Bond universe.
Spiaggia del Principe
Its name is linked to Prince Karim Aga Khan, who fell in love with this stretch of coastline during his first explorations of the area in the 1960s. According to local stories, it became one of his favorite bays thanks to its harmonious shape and the incredible color of the water.
Even today, when viewed from the sea, it preserves a unique balance between untouched nature and the historical legacy of the Costa Smeralda’s development.
Cala Petra Ruja
The name comes from the reddish color of the rocks — “ruja” means red in Sardinian. This area has remained less developed than other parts of the coastline, thanks to its natural shape and exposure.
Here, you can still experience a more authentic and untouched side of the Costa Smeralda, where nature remains the true centerpiece of the landscape.
Mortorio Island
Today, it is a protected area, but in the past it was frequented by local fishermen and used as a stopping point during navigation along the coast. Its name likely comes from ancient stories connected to the sea and traditional local routes.
Seen from the water, it feels completely different from the main beaches — wilder, quieter, and more untouched.
Soffi Island
More discreet and less known than the other islands in the area, Soffi Island still preserves a truly wild character. In the past, it was also used for grazing: during quieter seasons, livestock — especially cattle — were brought here, taking advantage of the island’s isolation and natural vegetation.
It’s a detail that perfectly reflects what this coastline was like before tourism development transformed the Costa Smeralda.
Today, the island remains largely untouched and peaceful, with crystal-clear seabeds and exceptionally transparent waters. From the sea, you can truly feel its more natural and authentic atmosphere.
Elephant Beach
Elephant Beach is a small cove along the Costa Smeralda, known for its wind-shaped granite rocks, including a unique formation that resembles the shape of an elephant.
It’s a natural and unspoiled area, with crystal-clear waters and a seabed ideal for swimming. During our Costa Smeralda boat tours, it is often included as a scenic stop or swimming spot whenever sea conditions allow it.
Discover These Bays from the Sea
Many of these places reveal a completely different perspective when seen from the sea. It’s not just about “visiting beaches,” but about truly understanding the coastline — seeing how the wind has shaped the rocks, how the sea changes color, and how hidden coves open up along the shore.
It’s a slower way to explore, but also a deeper and more authentic one.
